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TECHNICAL SERVICE MANUAL SECTION TSM 000

INSTALLATION, START UP, TROUBLESHOOTING, PAGE 1 OF 8

ISSUE J
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, DO’S & DON’TS

CONTENTS Reversing the rotation reverses the flow through the pump.
When determining shaft rotation, always look from the shaft end
Installation, General Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 of the pump. Unless otherwise specified, rotation is assumed to
Safety Information and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 be clockwise (CW), which makes the suction port on the right
Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 side of the pump. The idler pin, which is offset in the pump head,
Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 should be properly positioned toward and an equal distance
Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 between the port connections.
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 DISCHARGE
Rapid Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A B
Preventative Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Do’s and Don’ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

INSTALLATION IDLER PIN

SUCTION
GENERAL COMMENTS
Before installation is started, a few items of a general nature should
be considered.
1. Location - always locate the pump as close as possible to the
supply of liquid to be pumped. Locate it below the liquid supply
if at all practical. Viking pumps are self priming but the better the FIGURE 3
suction conditions the better the performance. 5. Pressure Protection - Viking pumps are positive displacement.
2. Accessibility - the pump should be located where it is accessible This means that when the pump is rotated, liquid will be delivered
for inspection, maintenance, and repair. For large pumps, allow to the discharge side of the pump. If there is no place for this
room to remove the rotor and shaft without removing the pump liquid to go - discharge line is blocked or closed - pressure can
from the base. build up until the motor stalls, the drive equipment fails, a pump
3. Port Arrangement - since the pumps have different port part breaks or ruptures, or the piping bursts. Because of this,
arrangements depending on the model, port location should some form of pressure protection must be used with a positive
be checked before starting the installation. The ports may be displacement pump. This may be a relief valve mounted directly
upright, opposite or at right angles to each other, see Figure on the pump, an inline relief valve, a torque limiting device or a
1. The right angle ports are normally right-hand, see Figure rupture disk.
2; some models are available with left-hand arrangements; still
other models are available with the right angle ports located in VALVE BODY (C) SPRING (A)
any one of eight positions including right-hand and left-hand. POPPET (B) CAP (SHOULD ALWAYS
POINT TOWARD
POINT (E) SUCTION PORT)

ADJUSTING
SCREW (D)
LIQUID INLET LIQUID OUTLET
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 4
CUTAWAY OF VIKING INTERNAL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
LEFT RIGHT
HAND HAND The pressure relief valve mounted on most Viking pumps and most
PUMP PUMP in-line valves are of the spring loaded poppet design. See Figure
4. The spring (A) holds poppet (B) against the seat in the valve
body (C) with a given force determined by the spring size and by
FIGURE 2 how tightly it is compressed by the adjusting screw (D). The pump
4. Suction/Discharge - shaft rotation will determine which port is discharge pressure pushes against the underside of the poppet at
suction and which is discharge. A look at Figure 3 will show point (E). When the force exerted by the liquid under the poppet
how rotation determines which port is which; as the pumping exceeds that exerted by the spring, the poppet lifts and liquid starts
elements (gears) come out of mesh, point “A” on Figure 3, to flow through the valve. As the discharge pressure builds up, more
liquid is drawn into the suction port; as the gears come into and more of the liquid flows through until a pressure is reached at
mesh, point “B”, the liquid is forced out the discharge port. which all of the liquid being pumped is going through the valve. This
pressure is the relief valve setting.

VIKING PUMP, INC. • A Unit of IDEX Corporation • Cedar Falls, IA 50613 USA
SAFETY INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
IMPROPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF PUMP MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH AND/OR RESULT IN DAMAGE TO PUMP AND/OR OTHER EQUIPMENT. VIKING’S WARRANTY
DOES NOT COVER FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION, OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE.

THIS INFORMATION MUST BE FULLY READ BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION, OPERATION OR

MAINTENANCE OF PUMP AND MUST BE KEPT WITH PUMP. PUMP MUST BE INSTALLED, OPERATED
AND MAINTAINED ONLY BY SUITABLY TRAINED AND QUALIFIED PERSONS.

THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED AND ADHERED TO AT ALL TIMES.

Warning - In addition to possible serious

Symbol Danger - Failure to follow the indicated injury or death, failure to follow the
WARNING
Legend : ! instruction may result in serious injury
or death.
indicated instruction may cause damage
to pump and/or other equipment.

BEFORE opening any liquid chamber (pumping INSTALL pressure gauges/sensors next to the
WARNING
! chamber, reservoir, relief valve adjusting cap fitting,
etc.) be sure that :
pump suction and discharge connections to monitor
pressures.
● Any pressure in the chamber has been completely
vented through the suction or discharge lines or USE extreme caution when lifting the pump. Suitable
other appropriate openings or connections.
● The pump drive system means (motor, turbine,
! lifting devices should be used when appropriate. Lifting
eyes installed on the pump must be used only to lift
engine, etc.) has been “locked out” or otherwise WARNING the pump, not the pump with drive and/or base plate.
been made non-operational so that it cannot be If the pump is mounted on a base plate, the base plate
started while work is being done on the pump. must be used for all lifting purposes. If slings are used
for lifting, they must be safely and securely attached.
● You know what material the pump has been
For weight of the pump alone (which does not include
handling, have obtained a material safety data
the drive and/or base plate) refer to the Viking Pump
sheet (MSDS) for the material, and understand
product catalog.
and follow all precautions appropriate for the safe
handling of the material.
DO NOT attempt to dismantle a pressure relief valve
BEFORE operating the pump, be sure all drive guards ! that has not had the spring pressure relieved or is
mounted on a pump that is operating.
! are in place.

AVOID contact with hot areas of the pump and/or

DO NOT operate pump if the suction or discharge
! piping is not connected. ! drive. Certain operating conditions, temperature
control devices (jackets, heat-tracing, etc.), improper
installation, improper operation, and improper
DO NOT place fingers into the pumping chamber or maintenance can all cause high temperatures on the
! its connection ports or into any part of the drive train
if there is any possibility of the pump shafts being
pump and/or drive.

rotated.
THE PUMP must be provided with pressure protection.

DO NOT exceed the pumps rated pressure, speed, and

! This may be provided through a relief valve mounted
directly on the pump, an in-line pressure relief valve,
! temperature, or change the system/duty parameters
from those the pump was originally supplied, without
WARNING a torque limiting device, or a rupture disk. If pump
rotation may be reversed during operation, pressure
WARNING confirming its suitability for the new service. protection must be provided on both sides of pump.
Relief valve adjusting screw caps must always point
towards suction side of the pump. If pump rotation is
BEFORE operating the pump, be sure that:
reversed, position of the relief valve must be changed.
! ● It is clean and free from debris. Pressure relief valves cannot be used to control pump
● All valves in the suction and discharge pipelines flow or regulate discharge pressure. For additional
WARNING
are fully opened. information, refer to Viking Pump’s Technical Service
● All piping connected to the pump is fully supported Manual TSM 000 and Engineering Service Bulletin
and correctly aligned with the pump. ESB-31.

● Pump rotation is correct for the desired direction

of flow. THE PUMP must be installed in a matter that allows
! safe access for routine maintenance and for inspection
during operation to check for leakage and monitor
WARNING pump operation.

SECTION TSM 000 ISSUE J PAGE 2 OF 8

 DISCHARGE
CAUTION !
PUMP HEAD
Internal type relief valves mounted on
Viking pumps should always have the cap
or bonnet pointed toward the suction side
of the pump. Return-to-tank type relief
valves should always be mounted on
the discharge side of the pump. If pump
rotation is reversed, change the relief VALVE ALWAYS
MOUNTS ON
valve. Turn the internal type end for end; DISCHARGE
move the return-to-tank type to the other SUCTION SIDE OF PUMP
port. If on a particular installation rotation
is reversed, e.g., using one pump to fill a FIGURE 5B
tank and then by use of a reversing switch RETURN-TO-TANK PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
or other means of changing the rotation to
permit the same pump to circulate the liquid NOTE: On some models, the relief valve is mounted on the
through a heater or to load out, then pressure pump casing instead of the pump head.
protection must be provided on both sides The spring loaded poppet-type valve is strictly a differential valve,
of the pump for both rotations. This may sensing only those pressures on each side of the poppet. It should
not be used as a pressure or flow control device. It is intended
be a combination of relief valves, torque
strictly as a relief valve.
limiting devices or rupture disks.
The pressure at which either the return-to-tank or internal relief
valve bypasses can be changed by turning the adjusting screw.
Do not back the adjusting screw all the way out. Stop when spring
tension is off the screw (the screw starts to turn easily). For details
CAUTION ! on maintenance of the relief valve, see Technical Service Manual
Pumps or systems without relief valves covering your model series.
should have some form of pressure 6. Motor - follow local electrical codes when hooking up motors.
protection, e.g. torque limiting devices or
rupture disks.
FOUNDATION
Every pump should have a solid foundation. It may be any structure
Viking pumps can be furnished with either an internal pressure relief
sufficiently strong to hold the pump rigid and to absorb any strain or
valve - one which directs the flow from the valve back to the suction
shock that may be encountered.
side of the pump - or a return-to-tank valve - which directs the flow
through piping back to the supply tank. See Figures 5A and 5B. An A certified print of the pumping unit should be used in
inline relief valve mounted in the discharge piping also directs the preparing the foundation. If a separate foundation is provided, make
flow back to the supply tank. This type of valve should be mounted it at least four inches wider and longer than the base of the unit.
close to the pump so that the pressure drop through the piping When the unit is placed on the foundation, it should be leveled and
between the pump and the valve is at a minimum. Be sure there are checked for position against the piping layout and then fastened
no shutoff valves between the pump and relief valve. Piping from a down.
return-to-tank or an in-line valve to the supply tank should also be as
short and as large as possible.
ALIGNMENT
DISCHARGE
CHECK ALIGNMENT AFTER MOUNTING
For detailed coupling alignment procedures see coupling
PUMP HEAD manufacturers’ recommendations.
The pump, drive, and motor were properly aligned at the time they
were assembled. During shipping and mounting the alignment is
often disturbed. BE SURE TO RECHECK ALIGNMENT AFTER
THE PUMP UNIT IS INSTALLED!
1. Check pump ports to be sure they are square and in the proper
SUCTION position; shim or move the pump as required. Do not force
piping to line up with the ports.
2. If the pump is driven by a flexible coupling(s) either direct
connected to the motor or through a reducer, remove any
coupling guards or covers and check alignment of the coupling
halves. As a minimum, a straightedge (a piece of key stock
RELIEF VALVE ADJUSTING works nicely) across the coupling must rest evenly on both rims
SCREW CAP (SHOULD ALWAYS at the top, bottom, and sides. See Figure 6, page 4.
POINT TOWARD SUCTION PORT)

FIGURE 5A
INTERNAL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
SECTION TSM 000 ISSUE J PAGE 3 OF 8
USE A STRAIGHTEDGE. THESE
SURFACES MUST BE PARALLEL.

CHECK WIDTH BETWEEN THESE SURFACES WITH

INSIDE CALIPERS TO BE CERTAIN THE FACES ARE
EQUAL DISTANCE APART AND PARALLEL.

FIGURE 6 FIGURE 8
REDUCER DRIVE
3. If the pump is driven by V-belts, check the alignment by using a
long straightedge or tightly drawn string across the face of the
sheaves. See Figure 6A.

DRIVER
SHEAVE DRIVEN STRING
SHEAVE OR
STRAIGHTEDGE

A B C D
WHEN SHEAVES ARE PROPERLY ALIGNED, ALL POINTS FIGURE 9
A, B, C, D WILL TOUCH STRING OR STRAIGHTEDGE. V-BELT DRIVE
FIGURE 6A

PIPING
4. Make a final check on alignment after piping is hooked up.
The cause of many pumping problems can be traced to suction
See item 13 of the Piping section.
piping. It should always be as large and short as practical. For help
Figures 7, 8, and 9 show typical units - direct, gear in selecting the proper size piping, both suction and discharge, refer
reducer and V-belt drive. to Viking General Catalog Section 510.
5. For high temperature applications (those above 300°F) allow the Before starting the layout and installation of your piping system,
pump to reach operating temperature, then recheck alignment. consider the following points:
1. Never use piping smaller than the pump port connections.
2. Be sure the inside of the pipe is clean before hooking it up.
3. Foot valve - When pumping a light liquid with a suction lift, a
foot valve at the end of the suction piping or a check valve in
the first horizontal run will hold the liquid in the line and make it
easier for the pump to prime. Be sure the foot or check valve is
big enough so that it doesn’t cause excessive line loss.
4. When approaching an obstacle in the suction or discharge line,
go around the obstacle instead of over it. Going over it creates
an air pocket. See Figure 10.
5. Where practical, slope the piping so no air or liquid pockets will
be formed. Air pockets in the suction line make it hard for the
pump to prime.
6. For a suction line with a long horizontal run, keep the horizontal
FIGURE 7 portion below the liquid level if possible. This keeps the pipe
DIRECT DRIVE full so the pump does not have to remove so much air when
starting; this is most helpful when there is no foot valve. See
Figure 11.
7. When piping a hot or cold system (liquid being handled is at a
temperature different from the air surrounding the pump), be
sure allowance is made for expansion and contraction of the
piping. Loops, expansion joints, or unsecured (this does not
mean unsupported) runs should be used so the pump casing is
not distorted or put into a bind.

SECTION TSM 000 ISSUE J PAGE 4 OF 8

 13. ALIGNMENT - Check the alignment of the drive after the piping
is hooked up. As a final check on pump alignment, remove the
head of the pump and with a feeler gauge determine if there
is clearance all the way around between the rotor and casing.
Because of manufacturing tolerances, bushing clearances,
etc., the rotor may not be centered in the casing, but it should
OBSTRUCTION
not drag; dragging would indicate unit misalignment or casing
OBSTRUCTION distortion from piping strain. Making this check is most desirable
GO AROUND THE
OBSTRUCTION ON on installations involving Q, M and N size general purpose
THE HORIZONTAL pumps.
14. The auxiliary piping hooked to jackets, glands, etc. for heating,
cooling, quenching, or for other purposes should receive the
DO THIS NOT THIS
same attention as the piping handling the pumped liquid.
FIGURE 10 15. Provide a pressure relief device in any part of a pump and piping
system that can be valved off and, thus, completely isolated.
This is particularly important:
a) When handling a cold liquid such as refrigeration ammonia
NOT THIS that can warm up to ambient temperatures when the pump
is shut off or
b) When handling a liquid such as asphalt or molasses that
has to be heated before it can be pumped.
The rise in temperature causes the liquid to expand; if there is
no provision for pressure relief in the closed off section, there is
a chance that the pump or piping will rupture.

THIS START UP
Before pushing the “start” button, check the following:
1. Are there vacuum and pressure gauges on or near the pump?
These gauges are the quickest and most accurate way of finding
KEEP LONG
out what is happening in the pump.
HORIZONTAL LINE
BELOW LIQUID LEVEL 2. Check alignment - See suggestions in the Alignment section of
FIGURE 11 this manual.
3. Check piping to be sure there is no strain on the pump casing.
8. STRAINER - It is always good practice to consider a strainer on 4. Rotate the pump shaft by hand to be sure it turns freely. MAKE
the suction side of a positive displacement pump. The strainer SURE THE PUMP DRIVER IS LOCKED OUT OR CANNOT
will keep foreign objects from going into the pump; without a BE ENERGIZED BEFORE DOING THIS.
strainer some would go through; others would cause a jammed 5. Jog motor to be sure it is turning in the right direction; see
pump, a broken part, or a torn up drive. The strainer basket discussion on pump rotation in item 4 of the General Comments
mesh or perforation size should be big enough so that it does section of this manual.
not cause excessive pressure drop, but it should be fine enough 6. Check any relief valves to be sure they are installed correctly.
to protect the pump. When in doubt as to the proper size, check See discussion on relief valves in the General Comments
with the manufacturer, giving pipe size, flow rate, and viscosity section.
involved. Provision should be made for cleaning the strainer. 7. Check suction piping to be sure (a) it is all connected and tight,
If the pump operates continuously, a bypass should be built (b) valves are open, and (c) end of pipe is below liquid level.
around the strainer or two strainers should be put in parallel
8. Check discharge piping to be sure (a) it is connected and
with proper valving so they can be isolated for cleaning. Use of
tight, (b) valves are open, and (c) there is a place for the liquid
a strainer is particularly important at start up to help clean the
to go.
system of weld beads, pipe scale, and other foreign objects. For
additional information, refer to TSM640. 9. Lubricate any grease fitting on the pump using a #2 NLGI
polyurea grease. Check any gear reducer, motor, coupling,
9. If the pump is not equipped with a relief valve, consideration
etc. for instructions and lubricate as recommended. See
should be given to mounting one in the discharge line. See
Engineering Service Bulletin ESB-515.
discussion on pressure protection in item 5 of the General
Comments section. 10. For packed pumps, loosen packing gland nuts so gland can be
moved slightly by hand. Adjust gland to reduce leakage only
10. The pump should not be used to support the piping. The weight
after pump has run long enough to reach constant temperature.
of the piping should be carried by hangers, supports, stands, etc.
Packing should weep a little to keep it cool and lubricated.
11. When fastening the piping to the pump it should not be
11. Do not use the Viking pump to flush, pressure test or prove the
necessary to impose any strain on the pump casing. “Springing”
system with water. Either remove the pump or run piping around
or “drawing” the piping up to the pump will cause distortion,
it while flushing or testing. Pumping water, dirty or otherwise,
possible misalignment, and probable rapid wear of the pump.
can do more damage in a few minutes than months of normal
Do not use the pump to correct errors in piping layout or
service.
assembly.
12. Check to be sure all guards are in place.
12. All joints of the piping system should be tight; pipe sealer will
help assure leak-free threaded joints. Leaks in the suction line 13. Check the pump to be sure it is heated to operating temperature
permitting air to be drawn in may cause a noisy pump or a (if jacketed or heat traced).
reduction in capacity. 14. Now you are ready to push the “start” button - gently.

SECTION TSM 000 ISSUE J PAGE 5 OF 8

If the pump begins to deliver liquid within 60 seconds, you’re in If the pump still does not deliver flow, the cause may be one or more
business. If it does not, push the “stop” button. Do not run the pump of the following:
longer than one minute without liquid in it; you may damage it. Review 1. Suction line air leaks; vacuum gauge reading should help
the steps just outlined, consider what the suction and discharge determine if this is the problem.
gauges indicate, see Troubleshooting section; if everything appears 2. End of suction pipe not submerged deep enough in liquid.
to be in order, put some liquid in the pump, a lubricating liquid is best.
3. Suction lift is too great or the suction piping is too small.
This will help it prime.
4. Liquid is vaporizing in the suction line before it gets to the
Push the “start” button again. If nothing is flowing within two minutes,
pump.
stop the pump. The pump is not a compressor; it will not build up
much air pressure; it may be necessary to vent the discharge line If after consideration of these points it still does not pump,
until liquid begins to flow. suggest you review again all points given under START UP;
read through Troubleshooting in this manual and try again. If it
still does not pump, contact your Viking representative.

RAPID WEAR
CAUSE EVIDENCE POSSIBLE SOLUTION
1. ABRASIVES Gouges or marks made by large, hard particles; Flush the system with the pump removed. Install strainer in suction
a rapid wearing away of bushings from very line. Oftentimes after a system has run for a few cycles or a few days,
small abrasives similar to pumice; or anything in the dirt is pretty well cleaned out, and if the pump is rebuilt into good
between. condition, it will then last for a long time.
2. CORROSION Rust, pitting or metal appears to be “eaten” away. Check the Viking General Catalog Liquid List for materials of
construction recommendation. Consider whether all of the materials
used in pump construction were attacked; consider other materials
used in the system to determine how they resisted the liquid. Check
to see whether or not the liquid has been contaminated to make it
more corrosive than anticipated.
3. EXCEEDING Noisy operation, broken bushings, twisted shaft, Review General Catalog for operating limits on particular model
OPERATING parts show evidence of high heat (discoloration). involved.
LIMITS
4. INSUFFICIENT Pump may stall. Evidence of heavy contact between Increase end clearance and/or contact you distributor or the factory
EXTRA end of rotor teeth and head or other parts. with details of the application so that information regarding proper
CLEARANCE extra clearance may be provided.
5. LACK OF Noisy bearings, localized heating at bearings or lip Be sure all grease fittings are greased before starting and instructions
LUBRICATION seal, smoke, rapid bushing wear. for lubrication of drive equipment are followed; consider use of
auxiliary lubricating equipment.
6. MISALIGNMENT Wear on only one part of a surface, e.g., one side Double check alignment of drive equipment and piping. Check the
of the casing, one side of the packing gland, only a alignment under conditions as close to operating conditions as
portion of the face of the head. possible.
7. RUN DRY Pump stalls because parts have uneven expansion Be sure there is liquid in the system at the time of start up. Provide
caused by frictional heat; galling between surfaces some kind of automatic alarm or shut-off if supply tank runs dry.
having relative motion; seal seats and idler pins
changing color because of high heat.

TROUBLESHOOTING
A Viking pump that is properly installed and maintained will give long 2. Low reading would indicate -
and satisfactory performance. a) Air leak in suction line.
NOTE: Before making any pump adjustment or opening the pump b) End of pipe not in liquid.
liquid chamber in any manner, make sure that: c) Pump is worn.
1. any pressure in the pumping chamber has been vented through d) Pump is dry - should be primed.
the suction or discharge lines or other openings provided for 3. Fluttering, jumping, or erratic reading -
this purpose, a) Liquid vaporizing.
2. the driver has been “locked out” so that it cannot inadvertently b) Liquid coming to pump in slugs, possibly an air leak,
be started while work is being done on the pump and insufficient liquid above the end of the suction pipe.
3. the pump has been allowed to cool down to the point where c) Vibrating from cavitation, misalignment, or damage parts.
there is no chance of anyone being burned. Pressure Gauge - Discharge Port
If trouble does develop, one of the first steps toward finding the 1. High reading would indicate -
difficulty is to install a vacuum gauge in the suction port and a a) High viscosity and small and/or long discharge line.
pressure gauge in the discharge port. Readings on these gauges b) Gate valve partially closed.
often will give a clue as to where to start looking for the trouble. c) Filter plugged.
Vacuum Gauge - Suction Port d) Vertical head did not consider a high specific gravity liquid.
1. High reading would indicate - e) Line partially plugged from build up on inside of pipe.
f) Liquid in pipe not up to temperature.
a) Suction line blocked - foot valve stuck, gate valve closed,
g) Liquid in pipe has undergone a chemical reaction and has
strainer plugged.
solidified.
b) Liquid too viscous to flow through the piping.
h) Relief valve set too high.
c) Lift too high.
d) Line too small.

SECTION TSM 000 ISSUE J PAGE 6 OF 8

2. Low reading would indicate - 4. Packing gland drawn down too tight.
a) Relief valve set too low. 5. Pump misaligned.
b) Relief valve poppet not seating properly. 6. Extra clearance on pumping elements may not be
c) Bypass around the pump partially open. sufficient for operating conditions. Check parts for
d) Too much extra clearance. evidence of drag or contact in pump and increase
e) Pump worn. clearance where necessary.
3. Fluttering, jumping, or erratic reading - F) Rapid Wear.
a) Cavitation. On most applications the pump will operate for many months
b) Liquid coming to pump in slugs. or years before it gradually loses its ability to deliver capacity or
c) Air leak in suction line. pressure. Examination of such a pump would show a smooth wear
d) Vibrating from misalignment or mechanical problems. pattern on all parts. Rapid wear, occurring in a few minutes, hours
or days, shows up as heavy grooving, galling, twisting, breaking
Some of the following may also help pinpoint the problem:
or similar severe signs of trouble. See Rapid Wear section.
A) Pump does not pump.
1. Lost its prime - air leak, low level in tank, foot valve stuck.
2. Suction lift too high. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
3. Rotating in wrong direction. Performing a few preventative maintenance procedures will extend
4. Motor does not come up to speed. the life of your pump and reduce the overall cost of ownership.
5. Suction and discharge valves not open.
A) Lubrication - Grease all grease fittings after every 2000 hours
6. Strainer clogged.
of operation. If service is severe, grease more often. Do it gently
7. Bypass valve open, relief valve set too low, relief valve
with a hand gun until the grease exiting the lip seal or relief plug
poppet stuck open.
is similar in consistency and color to the new grease.
8. Pump worn out.
9. Any changes in the liquid system or operation that would Use a NLGI #2 polyurea grease for normal applications. For hot
help explain the trouble, e.g. new source of supply, added or cold applications, use appropriate grease.
more lines, inexperienced operators, etc. B) Packing Adjustment - Occasional packing adjustment may
10. Too much end clearance. be required to keep leakage to a slight weep; if impossible to
11. Head position incorrect. See Fig. 3. reduce leakage by gentle tightening, replace packing or use
B) Pump starts, then loses its prime. different type. See Technical Service Manual on particular
1. Supply tank empty. model series for details on repacking.
2. Liquid vaporizing in the suction line. C) End Clearance Adjustment - After long service, the running
3. Air leaks or air pockets in the suction line; leaking air clearance between the end of the rotor teeth and the head
through packing or mechanical seal. may have increased through wear to the point where the pump
4. Worn out. is losing capacity or pressure. Resetting end clearance will
C) Pump is noisy. normally improve pump performance. See TSM on particular
model series for procedure on adjusting end clearance for
1. Pump is being starved (heavy liquid cannot get to pump
pump involved.
fast enough). Increase suction pipe size or reduce length.
2. Pump is cavitating (liquid vaporizing in the suction line). D) Examine Internal Parts - Periodically remove the head,
Increase suction pipe size or reduce length; if pump is examine idler and bushing and head and pin for wear.
above the liquid, raise the liquid level closer to the pump; if Replacing a relatively inexpensive idler bushing and idler pin
the liquid is above the pump, increase the head of liquid. after only moderate wear will eliminate the need to replace
3. Check alignment. more expensive parts at a later date. See TSM on particular
4. May have a bent shaft or rotor tooth. Straighten or replace. model series for procedure in removing head of the pump. Be
5. Relief valve chatter; increase pressure setting. sure idler does not slide off idler pin as head is removed and
6. May have to anchor base or piping to eliminate or reduce drop and hurt someone or damage the part.
vibration. E) Cleaning the Pump - A clean pump is easier to inspect,
7. May be a foreign object trying to get into the pump through lubricate, adjust, and runs cooler; plus, it looks better.
the suction port. F) Storage - If pump is to be stored or not used for six months or
D) Pump not up to capacity. more, pump must be drained, and a light coat of non-detergent
1. Starving or cavitating - increase suction pipe size or SAE 30 weight oil must be applied to all internal pump parts.
reduce length. Lubricate fittings and apply grease to pump shaft extension.
2. Strainer partially clogged. Viking suggests rotating pump shaft by hand one complete
3. Air leak in suction piping or along pump shaft. revolution every 30 days to circulate the oil. Retighten all
4. Running too slowly; is motor the correct speed and is it gasketed joints before using the pump.
wired up correctly.
5. Bypass line around pump partially open. DO’S & DON’TS
6. Relief valve set too low or stuck open.
7. Pump worn out. Do’s and Don’ts for installation, operation, and maintenance of Viking
8. Too much end clearance. pumps to assure safe, long, trouble-free operation.
9. Head position incorrect. See Fig. 3. INSTALLATION -
E) Pump takes too much power. 1. Do install pump as close to supply tank as possible.
1. Running too fast - Is correct motor speed, reducer ratio, 2. Do leave working space around the pumping unit.
sheave size, etc. being used?
3. Do use large, short, and straight suction piping.
2. Is liquid more viscous than unit sized to handle; heat the
liquid, increase the pipe size, slow the pump down, or get 4. Do install a strainer in the suction line.
a bigger motor. 5. Do double check alignment after the unit is mounted and piping
3. Discharge pressure higher than calculated, check with is hooked up.
pressure gauge. Increase size or reduce length of pipe, 6. Do provide a pressure relief valve for the discharge side of the
reduce speed (capacity), or get bigger motor. pump.

SECTION TSM 000 ISSUE J PAGE 7 OF 8

 TECHNICAL SERVICE MANUAL SECTION TSM 000

INSTALLATION, START UP, TROUBLESHOOTING, PAGE 8 OF 8

ISSUE J
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, DO’S & DON’TS

7. Do cut out the center of gaskets used as port covers on flanged

port pumps.
8. Do record pump model number and serial number and file for
future reference.
OPERATION - WARRANTY
1. Don’t run pump at speeds faster than shown in the catalog for
Viking pumps, strainers and reducers are warranted to be
your model.
free of defects in material and workmanship under normal
2. Don’t require pump to develop pressures higher than those conditions of use and service. The warranty period varies by
shown in the catalog for your model. type of product. A Viking product that fails during its warranty
3. Don’t operate pumps at temperatures above or below limits period under normal conditions of use and service due to a
shown in the catalog for your pump. defect in material or workmanship will be repaired or replaced
4. Don’t operate pumps without all guards being in place. by Viking. At Viking’s sole option, Viking may refund (in cash
5. Don’t operate pump without a relief valve on the pump or in the or by credit) the purchase price paid to it for a Viking product
discharge piping; be sure valve is mounted and set correctly. (less a reasonable allowance for the period of use) in lieu of
repair or replacement of such Viking product. Viking’s warranty
6. Don’t exceed catalog limits for temperature and pressures of
is subject to certain restrictions, limitations, exclusions and
fluids in jacketed areas of pump.
exceptions. A complete copy of Viking’s warranty, including
7. Don’t use the pump in a system which includes a steam blow or warranty periods and applicable restrictions, limitations,
an air or vapor blow or purge without provision for over-speed exclusions and exceptions, is posted on Viking’s website
shutdown in case the pump starts to act as a turbine and over- (www.vikingpump.com/warranty/warranty-info). A complete
speeds the drive. copy of the warranty may also be obtained by contacting
8. Don’t operate the pump with all of the liquid bypassing through Viking through regular mail at Viking Pump, Inc., 406 State
a pump mounted internal type relief valve or without any flow Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, USA.
of liquid going through the pump for more than a couple of THIS WARRANTY IS AND SHALL BE VIKING’S SOLE
minutes. Operation under either of these conditions may result AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AND IS IN LIEU OF
in a heat build-up in the pump, which could cause hazardous ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
conditions or happenings. INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ALL WARRANTIES
MAINTENANCE - OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
1. Do make sure any pump that has residual system pressure in PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGMENT, ALL OF WHICH
it or that has handled high vapor pressure liquids, e.g., LP-gas, OTHER WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
ammonia, Freons, etc. has been vented through the suction or THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY
discharge lines or other openings provided for this purpose. ARE AND SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS
2. Do make sure that if the pump is still hooked to the driver AND REMEDIES AGAINST VIKING. EXCEPT FOR THE
while maintenance is being performed that the driver has been SPECIFIC LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS PROVIDED
“locked out” so that it cannot be inadvertently started while work UNDER THIS WARRANTY, VIKING SHALL HAVE NO
is being done on the pump. LIABILITY OR OBLIGATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY
3. Do make sure any pump that has handled a corrosive, PRODUCT CLAIMED TO BE DEFECTIVE IN ANY MANNER.
flammable, hot, or toxic liquid has been drained, flushed, vented UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL VIKING BE
and/or cooled before it is disassembled. LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE FOR
4. Don’t drop parts during disassembly, e.g., idler can slip from the SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
pin as the head is removed from the pump; it may drop on your PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
foot, plus, it may get nicked or gouged. LIMITED TO, LOST OR UNREALIZED SALES, REVENUES,
5. Don’t stick fingers in the ports of a pump! Serious injury may PROFITS, INCOME, COST SAVINGS OR BUSINESS, LOST
result. OR UNREALIZED CONTRACTS, LOSS OF GOODWILL,
DAMAGE TO REPUTATION, LOSS OF PROPERTY, LOSS
6. Don’t spin the idler on the idler pin! Fingers may be jammed
OF INFORMATION OR DATA, LOSS OF PRODUCTION,
between teeth and crescent.
DOWNTIME, OR INCREASED COSTS, IN CONNECTION
7. Do remember that a few simple preventative maintenance WITH ANY PRODUCT, EVEN IF VIKING HAS BEEN ADVISED
procedures such as periodic lubrication, adjustment of end OR PLACED ON NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
clearance, examination of internal parts, etc., will extend the DAMAGES AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF
service life of your pump. ANY ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY PRODUCT.
8. Do obtain, read and keep maintenance instructions furnished
with your pump.
9. Do have spare parts, pumps or standby units available,
particularly if the pump is an essential part of a key operation or
process.

VIKING PUMP, INC. • A Unit of IDEX Corporation • Cedar Falls, IA 50613 USA
© 12/2016 Viking Pump Inc.
All rights reserved